Cebu, the queen city of the south, is the Philippines’ oldest metropolis. Thanks to its colonial heritage, role as a trading hub and modern tourist appeal, Cebu has a dining scene that offers flavour as rich as its history, shaped both by those born on the island and those who now call it home. Read on for a curated list of the best restaurants in Cebu.

1. Bell + Amadeus 

Having taken Cebu’s dining scene by storm when it opened almost a year ago, Bell + Amadeus , a restaurant serving global cuisine, continues to wow with its signature dishes and seasonal menus. Start with the elderflower and coconut espuma with beetroot hummus crostini and follow with wild mushroom soup. For mains, it’s a toss-up between mixed seafood pasta in truffle cream sauce and chicken confit with guanciale cranberry marmalade on polenta. For something sweet, the ylang-ylang crème brulée with black sesame ice cream is to die for.

2. Talisay City Lechon

The island of Cebu may claim ownership of lechon, or whole roast pig – a dish so good it was endorsed by Anthony Bourdain. But it’s Talisay City that is home to a number of family businesses dedicated to this prized dish, and which plays host to the Talisay City Lechon Festival every October. Make your way to Poblacion district on Sundays to find it in abundance at the so- called “l(fā)echon alley”, or try it at the beachfront Talisay Litson Park. Don’t miss the sabaw, a soup made with pork drippings, and the classic dinuguan, or pork blood stew, while you’re in the neighbourhood.

3. SM Seaside City Cebu

A visit to the largest mall in the Visayas region quickly works up an appetite. Among numerous dining options, Café Laguna offers the perfect introduction to the Filipino tradition of merienda, or afternoon snack. The High Tea set includes a perfect mix of sweets – think coconut rice cakes (espasol) and fried banana rolls (turon) – and savoury items, like adobo- filled puto rice buns, all served with hot pandan tea. Meanwhile, the crispy fried pork knuckle from Paolito’s is a heartier choice – if you haven’t already been seduced into ordering a plate of pork sisig by the smoke and sizzle emanating from the next table.

4. Entoy’s Bakasihan

Ever since Netflix’s Street Food Asia series brought bakasi, or tiger reef eel, into mainstream consciousness, Entoy’s Bakasihan has become sacred among foodie pilgrims. Its bakasi is prepared in a nilarang – a hearty stew flavoured with bilimbi fruit – and best paired with mais or corn grits, plus your pick of myriad seafood dishes on the restaurant’s menu (we recommend boiled spider conch and flying fish ceviche). Wash it all down with a cold soda at the open-air waterfront location.

5. Sugbo Mercado Food Market

The first and largest year-round food market in Cebu, Sugbo Mercado Food Market , has grown from a handful of vendors on weekends to a four-day schedule and more than 60 stalls at its flagship location at Cebu IT Park. Try the popular Cebuano street food tuslob buwa: pork liver and brains cooked in onions and garlic. For something more refreshing, a classic Ally Mango – a thick mango shake topped with fresh mango chunks – is always a good idea. You’ll also find other local favourites, novelty food items and a variety of Asian and Western dishes.

6. The Pig & Palm

With three one-Michelin-starred restaurants under his belt, celebrated chef Jason Atherton opened The Pig & Palm in Cebu as a love letter to his Cebuana wife, Irha. The restaurant’s bestseller, confit pork belly, is also an ode to Cebu. Other must-tries include the Korean fried chicken, the beetroot and goat’s cheese salad, and as many desserts as you can handle. The bar skimps neither on alcohol nor flavour, with creative drinks like Dill Or No Dill (gin, dill, elderflower, cucumber) and Coff’ Medicine (rum, Kahlúa, espresso).

7. Happy Hippos

In pork-loving Cebu, health-conscious diners will find solace at the vegetarian-friendly Happy Hippos . Starting with a beloved hummus recipe, this home-based enterprise became a brick-and-mortar, plant-forward eatery. Try the signature hummus and pita, then tuck into a surprisingly filling Buddha bowl or a selection of multigrain rice dishes served with fish, chicken or beef. For dessert, order the guilt-free coconut panna cotta or the crispy French toast.

8. Tightrope Coffee

Speciality drinks and food keep the crowds coming back to Tightrope Coffee . The Spanish latte is popular, while Summer Fizz, the café’s take on an espresso tonic, is an excellent remedy for hot weather. Tightrope serves a mean grilled three-cheese and beef short rib sandwich with chilli-honey sauce, a selection of silogs – fried rice, egg and meat combos – and deep-fried pork belly (bagnet) rice bowl.

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